Douglas County Commission to consider zoning law changes related to tourism

Douglas County commissioners will consider two proposed changes to the county's zoning regulations aimed at promoting cultural and tourism-related activities in unincorporated parts of the county.

The first would set up an application and review process for permits to host "agritourism" activities. Those could include ongoing uses that are designed to attract visitors and may involve ancillary retail sales. Some of those uses could include farms that routinely host wedding receptions or other types of assemblies, bed and breakfast establishments, farm winery tours and tastings, corn mazes and horseback riding.

The second change would set up an application and review process for "special events" permits such as short-term activities open to the general public, such as fairs and festivals, auctions, concerts and faith-based revivals.

The commission will consider those items when it meets at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday in the commission room of the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.

The commission will also meet at 4 p.m. to consider items that are not expected to generate public comment, including:

• A cross-access easement and temporary set-aside agreement associated with a cluster development north of 977 East 100 Road.

• A cross-access easement for a cluster development near North 1000 Road and East 1450 Road.

• Authorizing the Public Works director to approve change orders totaling 9 percent of the construction contract amount for the reconstruction of Route 1055 (Sixth Street) from U.S. Highway 56 to Route 12.